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submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 4 hours ago) by Nicro@discuss.tchncs.de to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

The EMMC on my PC-TV finally broke down and I'd like to replace it with something that doesn't run an OS or will predictably fail with a countdown. But dumb TVs are hard to come by and monitors come at a premium at that size. I want to run a PC (DP/HDMI) and an SBC (HDMI) with it. I also have an S2 satellite cable, but that's secondary. I'd like to have ~43", 16:9, 4K but without an embedded smart-hub, ideally running of eeprom-firmware, or just anything independent of write-cycles. But I can't find any good options online. Are there companies for this. Comments and recommendations welcome.

Edit: I'm EU, hence the DVB-S2 cable. Scepter would be great, but doesn't run on EU power.

Edit: I've pretty much settled on a philips 439P1/00. I'll give it another day, but it seems good. The PC over DP is my main focus and I can connect my own SBC for streaming. It lacks freesync but has adaptive sync and basic HDR. Being an office-monitor, it has no smarts and at ~600 bucks with consumer warranty and support it fits what I'm asking for well. Industry-signage wasn't really an option.

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[-] Fusty@lemmy.ml 26 points 1 day ago

Are people aware that they can buy a smart TV and never conntect it to wi-fi and never plug in the ethernet? There is no risk if TV never gets an IP.

[-] BearOfaTime@lemm.ee 25 points 1 day ago

It's possible a smart TV will use its wifi to connect to another device of the same brand on its own. I'd read an article about it a couple years ago.

If I'm reading about it, that means a company has been working on it, and frankly it makes sense. If I were in their shoes I'd look into making it happen. It's pretty trivial to do when you think about it.

Not that I think it's happening in the wild, just an idea to keep in mind.

Also, those devices are always capturing data. So if/when they ever connect, that data will get uploaded.

[-] randombullet@programming.dev 1 points 23 hours ago

I'll just connect it to my LAN only wifi network. No way in no way out.

[-] undefined@lemmy.hogru.ch 8 points 14 hours ago* (last edited 14 hours ago)

I think what they were talking about is the TV actively scanning for similar models and connecting to those to reach the internet. I’ve read similar articles showing how smart TVs will even connect to an open WiFi network to try to get online.

All this would bypass your LAN restrictions of course.

[-] Fusty@lemmy.ml -3 points 1 day ago

There is no meaningful data for the OS to capture if it used as a display for externally connected devices.

The only way to have 100% privacy on all devices is not have internet service.

[-] MonkderVierte@lemmy.ml 2 points 11 hours ago

Some actively listen with a microphone though.

[-] DScratch@sh.itjust.works 20 points 1 day ago

Many tvs have microphones built into them or their remotes.

Some are even sending screenshots of what they are displaying to their backend servers.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2449198-smart-tvs-take-snapshots-of-what-you-watch-multiple-times-per-second/

There is no meaningful data for the OS to capture if it used as a display for externally connected devices.

Except that some of these devices are periodically "screenshotting" the screen and harvesting data from that.

Pair that with automatically connecting to open wifi networks and nothing is truly safe.

[-] lone_faerie@lemmy.blahaj.zone -3 points 15 hours ago

Username checks out. Your own article you linked dispels this.

the opt-out mechanisms implemented on LG and Samsung smart TVs are working

A better solution is to disconnect your Smart TV from the internet entirely... Smart TVs cannot utilize ACR when they are offline.

[-] culpritus@hexbear.net 3 points 1 day ago

This. I have a nice 4k 120hz 'smart TV' that is not connected to anything. I use it only as a display for PC with external speakers. I'm pretty sure you can even do firmware updates without connecting anything but USB drive. Even if you have to connect to get updates, you can just disconnect it afterwards.

[-] Nicro@discuss.tchncs.de 5 points 1 day ago

I might resort to this. It's mainly just the e-waste potential that has me bothered. The OS will inevitable break after EOL, and the hardware becomes inoperable without the "hdmi-app". The computer parts are usually dirt cheap and eventually break themselves even on minimal use.

[-] Fusty@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 day ago

Yes, plugin ethernet, install updates, unplug ethernet, never connect it to wi-fi, there is no risk to privacy.

this post was submitted on 22 Nov 2024
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